Jack-Jack Arrives at Golden Pines

 As the world and life passes me by so quickly, of course there are still dogs coming into both rescues that we volunteer with, that need a place to go. I was asked a couple of weeks ago about taking in a 7 year old boy named Jack-Jack. His owners were returning or moving to the Philippines and were living in a hotel. After being given away and returned after just one day, and the rescue being given a story that just didn't make sense, Jack Jack really needed a place to go where he would be safe. So, I agreed to take him .... temporarily. 

So, meet 7 year old, Jack-Jack. I think he has to be one of the tallest Golden Retrievers that we've ever had. From the top of his head to the floor, he is about 35 inches tall. He is dwarfing the other dogs -- I can only imagine what he'd look like standing next to Todd! 

Jack Jack fit in easily and I was both happy and relieved that he was getting along with everyone. But he was not without a few concerns those first days he was here. The first one being a pretty bad case of gastroenteritis -- Probably caused by all the changes he'd been going through. So of course a trip to the vet was put on the agenda. 

~At the vet and not feeling so well~

Added to all that Jack Jack refused to eat anything. This went on for about 4 days. We were told Jack Jack was allergic to chicken, so that limited some of the choices to tempt him with. I tried everything from tripe (ugh!), to canned cat food, melted cheese and even cheese from a can. He turned his nose up at all of it. But I was undeterred and kept at it, and finally found a food combination that he would and could eat. 

I think that finding a food he would eat and the trip to the vet was a turning point, because he did start to seem like he was feeling better and he was not nearly as tentative about things as he had been.  The vet also addressed a skin infection and we did a thorough check up too. 

~Jack Jack is a big tall boy - weighing in at almost 114 pounds!~

As I mentioned, Jack Jack was supposed to just be with us temporarily until another foster home could be found. But because he'd taken a bit to settle in, and is doing pretty well with our dogs, we've decided to foster him and help him onto his next chapter --- Whatever that may be!  

~Welcome Jack Jack!!~

Blogging Mojo

Hello Friends! Thank you to those who have reached out behind the scenes to check on how we're doing. As always, life is passing me by at its breakneck pace with more than enough to write about. But when I try to, the words don't come. Someone said the best cure for that is to just start reading, and then my own words will return. So, I've been doing just that. Now lets see if the words will come for this post. 

~Our View of Comet A-3 in mid-October~

I will say that Todd became my inspiration for writing, his antics, energy and fun spirit filled not only our house but our lives too and gave me plenty to write about. With that energy sadly gone it has been hard to not focus on that. The energy of our household has definitely changed and has now taken on a quieter pace. At least most of the time. But I began this blog to have a record of ALL the dogs that have come and gone in our lives. A place where I can remember them, and tell you, my readers about them. I want that to continue. 

So, lets start easy and start with Noodle. I've been taking Noodle for acupuncture, cold laser and a massage every other week. This is to help with his mobility and to reduce the inflammation and pain that he may be experiencing. I think it's all helping. And it's helped that he has gained much needed weight, that has totally changed his appearance as you can see in the photo below.

There was however a bit of unwelcome drama (from a vet tech) at Noodle's previous vets office that had me finding a new vet for him. Who was better than the vet our dogs and cats see? So, Noodle met Mobile Vet a couple of weeks ago -- We took x-rays of his back leg to make sure that there's no sign of cancer, and to get an idea of its condition. It was sent to a specialist who said:

That stifle appears to have nearly end stage osteoarthritis which I would suspect is due to a chronic CCL tear. I think given the arthritic changes, surgical intervention (e.g. TPLO) would probably not end in significant improvement. Poor pup. 

With that, I think we've done all we can for Noodle, and just need to stay on the course of treatment and care that we're on with him. 

And speaking of "courses..." Yesterday, Saturday, the rescue had their 3K Walk. Noodle was one of the dogs the rescue highlighted and we took him so people could meet him. The weather was perfect and it was fun to share Noodle with everyone there and share his story. We also loved the chance to see and catch up with our longtime rescue friends - Dog people are truly among the best of people, as are you, my blogging friends! ❤❤